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Ginny’s 10 Tips For Budgeting Your Wedding

Hello everyone, I want to address today the topic of finances. More so, the sharing, saving and budgeting of finances with your significant other. And since it’s wedding season, why not make an even more targeted approach?

Sidenote – A budgeting blog is something I actually considered doing even before I began my Ginny Diaries journey. I started working in banking when I was 18 years old, and I’ve come to understand that many if not most persons are never fully certain of what’s happening with their money. So it’s actually interesting then that someone who doesn’t even know my background asked my input on finances. Here are my:

10 Tips For Budgeting Your Wedding

1. Think Of It As More Than One Day

I think this is a big one. Now everyone in some form or fashion has contemplated “Getting Married”. The thing is though that getting married is often reduced or simplified into just one day or event. When one must think of “Being Married” for all the days that follow. You can’t just study at the door, you must consider the entire house. Because putting all of your savings into your wedding, will surely leave you wondering and wandering for your marriage. Thus as you begin budgeting for your big day, it stands to reason that you will engage enough foresight to look beyond it into the after. Remember your wedding is but a day, your marriage is for life.

2. Communication

Often times, it is only after the proposal and acceptance, that some couples begin to be honest with each other. Things just got real, you’ve gone from dating to getting married and what belongs to each of you will soon belong to each other. Honesty is necessary always. Don’t wait until you’re getting married to tell your partner about your massive credit card debt or ruined credit. Granted they aren’t deal breakers by any means, but just as you will be spending on a joint cause, so too will you inherit joint debt.

3. Joint Accounts Or No

As two become one, very typically two accounts become one. My advice is to allocate an account just for your big day and also a separate account for what follows. It allows a clear demarcation for just how your funds will be used and thus enhances effective money management. Some banks allow for a system of larger accounts which then branch off into smaller subset holdings. And with the easy technology of online banking, the couple can spend time together allocating just how much they will need for what and where. My advice? Joint accounts yes, separate accounts also yes.

4. The Independence Of One

As you became an adult you quickly learnt that the system of others paying for you was calling it quits. You had to go out and make your own dollar and it gave you a sense of freedom that even in marriage, I don’t see should be given up. Ofcourse, agree or disagree, I am open to your thoughts and most of all your experience. But I think that the maintenance of the individual account is key, because it allows the freedom that you can still take care of even your small needs, without the input or permission of another. And while marriage is a union, it is better handled by two complete persons complimenting each other. No one wants to parent a spouse or to be parented either.

5. Co-ownership

In my estimation, it is better to be joint partners in whatever you’re doing together. Even if you don’t have a head for money, don’t just say you’ll let the other person deal with it. Figure it out together. Whether it’s stuff like how many people to invite to share in your wedding or how many acres you want to put down your family home, collaboration and cooperation is key.

6. Be Practical

Now some of us have been dreaming of our big day since forever, and what it looks like in our heads won’t always be so practical on paper. Or on your pocket. Nevertheless share it with your partner. Together you can narrow it down, trim the edges and smooth out a plan wherein you both get what you’ve been dreaming of and can afford. You may have always wanted a grand celebration on the beach in Hawaii. But you can have a grand celebration in your very own backyard…trust me, tents and lights work wonders. And that trip to Hawaii becomes a very nice honeymoon or even a great get away for two later on in your marriage.

7. Think Of Others

It is very easy to get carried away when thinking of yourself. But if you want the people you know and love to share in your day with you, you will have to consider them in your plans. And cost effective planning right off the bat says that not everyone will be able to come to your wedding or furthermore even be invited. But for those that can, consider such things as what it will cost them to fly to your destination wedding, or even just into town. Things like travel, lodging, and food must be considered for your guests. It’s not your cost to cover, but in budgeting for yourself think of others who will have to budget because of you.

8. The Bridal Party

Now I’m a Justice of the Peace and two witnesses kind of gal but if you’re planning on asking all of your cousins and your best friends from college to be in your bridal party… then prepare for the cost, the attitude and the time consumption. The rule of thumb is that basically the members of your bridal party pay for their own things, but as a gesture of appreciation for their support in your nuptials, it is becoming the norm to pick up some of their costs. In some cases, they simply get a bridal gift. However, it is an added expense.

9. Food, Flowers, Fun

If you know what you’re doing, you will want each of the above at your wedding. And they will cost you dearly. Seriously, have you checked the cost of fresh flowers lately? And DJ’s or live bands do not come cheap. Neither of which of course will run you the kind of money it will take to feed the happy masses you’ve invited to share in your day. Yet, the food, the flowers and the fun are just the tip of the ice-berg still of all the things you will have to cover when you’re considering costs. Look for things which are in season as they will be easier to find and procure. And having one person or agent handling the catering, decor and even entertainment removes the burden of managing so many aspects single-handedly. It will also be more cost effective.

10. Don’t Sweat It

Remember the love of money is the root of all evil. And in the midst of saving for your wedding and budgeting for your new life, never forget the love you have for each other. It will make even the big issues small. Figure out together what you can keep and what you can let go. You are compromising and consolidating but also you’re marrying the person that you love. Remember to budget time for each other. Remember to be honest. Remember to consider the other person. And still never lose sight of yourself. At the end of the day put your money into what matters most. Your wedding will be beautiful no matter how big, or small or extravagant. Don’t go broke or into debt with the planning. You’ll need a roof over your head and food on your table in all the days that follow. Just remember what matters most.

And if you don’t believe me…

For further tips on your finances, your big day or occasion and just for life you can check out,

Published by GINNY

I am a woman striving for growth, a writer honing her craft and a wanderer cherishing the journey..
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Email: theginnydiaries@gmail.com
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